MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin wildlife officials have decided to scale back the sale of leftover spring turkey permits out of concerns the harsh winter has reduced the state flock.

The Department of Natural Resources made 237,765 permits available this year. The agency awarded 135,893 through its annual lottery and had planned to sell the remaining permits by management zone starting Monday.

But agency officials announced Thursday they have decided not to sell the 426 permits for zones six and seven in far northern Wisconsin and issue 866 fewer permits in zones four and five, which span the state’s upper mid-section on a line that runs roughly from St. Croix County to Marinette County.

Agency officials say hunters have been urging a conservative approach to the spring season given the severe winter.